turntable troubleshooting

I recently purchased a Sumiko Pro-Ject 1.2 with an oyster cartridge. Overall, I am enjoying the sound of many of my records. However, on some there is this background rumbling noise that I can't seem to get rid of. There is also a significant amount of "ghosting." It's not the vinyl because it happens in the same places on every record (around the middle). I am starting to wonder if the tone arm is out of adjustment because the noise is the worst on my 200 gram vinyl. One thing that has helped has been to remove the static mat.

I am new to the world of vinyl so I would appreciate any advice anyone can give.

Thanks, japes

 

Removing the static mat also changes the VTA. Have you tried some VTA adjustments as well?

Also, make sure your cart is aligned and set up properly in the headshell. It makes all the difference in the world (some folks here can suggest tools for such a thing - I use a linear tracking model, so it's not as difficult to do).